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Capital and international growth: lessons from IT companies for shaping entrepreneurship in the age of industry 4.0

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  • Alexander Reinhold Werbik

    (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland)

Abstract

This study examines how investors influence the international expansion of IT startups. The research is based on quantitative primary data collected through a comprehensive survey of leading IT startups. The findings reveal that capital providers play a dual role in facilitating entry into foreign markets. Their direct involvement includes proactive support in the internationalisation process, while indirectly, they help overcome barriers such as cultural challenges and market entry risks. Through quantitative analysis, the study highlights dynamics that continue to be essential for understanding investor strategies in today's rapidly evolving business environment. These insights are particularly relevant in the AI-driven era, where data-intensive business models and strong network effects make rapid global scaling a critical success factor. The analysis provides a unique perspective on enduring patterns that are increasingly relevant in the current context, offering valuable lessons for navigating contemporary challenges in international expansion.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Reinhold Werbik, 2024. "Capital and international growth: lessons from IT companies for shaping entrepreneurship in the age of industry 4.0," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 12(2), pages 429-442, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:12:y:2024:i:2:p:429-442
    DOI: 10.9770/f2379425762
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sinéad Monaghan & Esther Tippmann & Nicole Coviello, 2020. "Born digitals: Thoughts on their internationalization and a research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(1), pages 11-22, February.
    2. Jesus Valdaliso & Aitziber Elola & Marijose Aranguren & Santiago Lopez, 2011. "Social capital, internationalization and absorptive capacity: The electronics and ICT cluster of the Basque Country," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(9-10), pages 707-733, December.
    3. Justus Haucap, 2019. "Competition and Competition Policy in a Data-Driven Economy," Intereconomics: Review of European Economic Policy, Springer;ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics;Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), vol. 54(4), pages 201-208, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    capital; IT; startups; investor strategies; AI; business models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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